With that first crisp fall breeze, many will grab a PSL and cozy up inside with a good book to read. Reading transports you to a new realm and can give you a break from reality. But what if you could take that experience a step further? Imagine reading a captivating book and then diving into a lively discussion about it with fellow book lovers. Here are some tips on starting a book club this fall season, a journey that promises to add a new dimension to your reading experience.
Determine the purpose and format. The beauty of starting a book club is that you can shape it according to your preferences. Decide if your book club will focus on a specific genre, theme or demographic (e.g., non-fiction, mystery, thrillers, romance, fantasy, etc.). Rotate through different genres to keep things fresh and cater to varied tastes. This could mean alternating between fiction and non-fiction, memoirs and even poetry. The choice is yours. Decide if the book club will have a casual feel or be more structured. It’s all about what suits you and your potential members best.
Set up a group size and member criteria. Consider how many people you want to include in your book club. A typical size is six to twelve members, allowing for varied perspectives but ensuring everyone has a chance to speak.
Choose meeting frequency and format. Decide how often you’ll meet (monthly is common) and whether meetings will be in person, virtual or hybrid. Also, consider how long each meeting will last. If doing a virtual meeting, choose a platform like Zoom and encourage members to mute their microphones when not speaking, use chat for side comments or questions and respect each other’s turn to speak.
Select the first book. Choose a book that has a broad appeal and provides plenty of discussion material. If you’re unsure, create a shortlist and vote on it. Decide if the book will be a solo or a part of a series. Another idea is to have a book swap and have each member bring a book they enjoyed to swap with another member. This can introduce new genres or authors to the group. Consider books that have won literary awards or have been highly praised, often books on BookTok (TikTok) since they are popular and have rich material for discussion.
Establish ground rules. In any discussion, especially one as enriching as a book club, it’s crucial to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected. Set discussion guidelines, including handling different opinions, reading completion expectations, and, most importantly, respectful listening. This will create a safe and inclusive space for all members to share their thoughts and ideas.
Plan the first meeting agenda. Have a structure in place, like a welcome, an icebreaker, a discussion on the book, and logistics for the next meeting. Start with an icebreaker to get everyone comfortable, then move into more structured discussion questions or activities. Conclude with the following steps and book selections for the next meeting.
Create a communication plan. Use email, social media or a dedicated platform like Slack or WhatsApp to keep everyone informed about meeting dates, book selections and other updates. Maybe create a Facebook group so everyone can be in one message thread. Create a book club blog or newsletter where you can share reviews, member thoughts, and upcoming book lists to keep members engaged between meetings. Share relevant links, articles, or videos that complement the book’s content. This adds depth to the discussion and engages members beyond the text.
Encourage engagement and growth. Keep members engaged with varied activities such as themed meetings, guest speakers or even field trips related to the book’s content. For example, if the book is set in Italy, have an Italian-themed dinner or ask members to bring Italian dishes and drinks. If the book was set in the fall season, host the meeting outside under fall trees with pumpkin spice coffees and treats. If you are close to living by one of the authors or experts, invite them to a meeting, and they can provide insight related to the book’s topic or theme.
Plan social events. Beyond book discussions, social gatherings like potlucks, picnics, or even book-themed costume parties can be held to foster camaraderie among members. For example, if Bridgerton was the books you read and completed the series, then host the ball of the season and have everyone dress in their best Bridgerton outfits with plenty of tea, champagne, sweet treats and a dance floor for the waltz. Maybe even have a Lady Whistledown newsletter and have something scandalous happen (but all in good fun).
Happy reading!
